Cape Town, South Africa – African MMA history is set to be made as EFC officially launches the inaugural KNOX Legacy Series on Thursday, 26 February 2026 at the iconic GrandWest Grand Arena in Cape Town. This championship-stacked event is a first-of-its-kind platform that brings together elite local talent and top international contenders for a night of high-stakes action.
A New Era for African MMA
The KNOX Legacy Series is a purpose-driven initiative led by former UFC Middleweight Champion and South Africa’s first UFC titleholder, Dricus du Plessis. Developed in partnership with the City of Cape Town and powered by EFC, the series aims to provide a world-class stage for the continent’s rising stars to compete against global-level athletes while giving fans a premium MMA experience right in the heart of Cape Town.
“This vision is about giving back to the sport that gave me everything,” said du Plessis. “It’s about creating opportunities for the next generation to dream bigger and reach further.”
Championship-Focused Main Card
The event’s main card is loaded with title fights and high-profile matchups that reflect the event’s commitment to excellence and international competition.
In the Middleweight Championship Main Event, Cape Town’s Luke Michael defends his title against Diego Bandu of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Bandu trains out of CIT Performance Institute under Team CIT in Pretoria, one of South Africa’s most established MMA camps.
The Bantamweight Championship Co-Main Event features Cape Town fan favourite Faeez Jacobs, who will put his title on the line against Australia’s Trent Girdham.
Adrian Sanchez takes on Brazil’s Jefferson Pereira for the Interim Lightweight Championship after an injury forced reigning champion Martin van Staden out of action.
In the Flyweight Grand Prix Final, Tumelo Manyamala, a rising Cape Town star who advanced through The Ultimate Fighter house, meets Ntando Zondi for the vacant flyweight title.
The main card opens with a featured flyweight bout between Cape Town’s Terrance Ballelo and Brazil’s Kleberson Sousa.
A City and a Sport United
The KNOX Legacy Series is not only a sporting event but also part of a broader vision to position Cape Town as a hub for global sports entertainment. Supported by Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis and the City of Cape Town, the event highlights the city’s commitment to hosting premier international competitions while showcasing homegrown athletic talent.
EFC President Cairo Howarth confirmed that the event will kick off the 2026 calendar in grand fashion, with global broadcast reach and extensive media coverage expected.
What to Expect
Fans can expect a night of elite MMA, a packed arena, and a showcase of African athletic excellence on a global stage. The KNOX Legacy Series aims to bridge local talent with international opportunity, and the opening event is set to deliver just that.
Additional bouts and supporting events are expected to be announced in the coming weeks.
The EFC KNOX Legacy Series lands in Cape Town on 26 February 2026. Don’t miss this historic moment in African combat sports.
